Me & Mrs. Jones - Billy Paul (1972-73) 5/15/21

In 2009, Essence Magazine published a list of the "25 Best Slow Jams of All Time," and right near the top was today's "Great Song of the '70s!"

And rightfully so!

Several times since I started this blog, I've highlighted songs that feature the smooth and soulful "Philadelphia" sound.

Many of those songs were written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff--and in 1972, along with Cary Gilbert, they came up with a song about infidelity that was so cool and mellow, you could almost feel the heat--thanks to Billy Paul.

At the end of '72 and well into '73, "Me & Mrs. Jones" was a top 10 hit in several countries--including #9 in Australia and #5 in New Zealand. In the US, it went to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and Soul Charts.

It was the only #1 Billy ever had...and it hit the top even though some radio stations didn't play it because it was a bit too...sexy.

Billy sang it so well, you BELIEVED he and Mrs. Jones truly had "a thing" goin' on. :-)

In 2007, Michael Buble' recorded a jazzy version that features background vocals from his girlfriend at the time, Mary Poppins--I mean Emily Blunt. The song was never officially released as a single because, the thing THEY had going on...ended. (But I found a copy anyway...and you can hear it below! Emily comes in near the end.)

"Me & Mrs. Jones" by Billy Paul: A "Great Slow Jam" of the '70s.

(And what COULD have been a "Great Song of 2007" by Buble' & Blunt")

Billy:

Michael/Emily: